Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home hit by gunfire, police say
Key Takeaways
- LAPD responded to reports of gunfire Sunday afternoon; a suspect was arrested and no injuries were reported.
- It has been reported that Rihanna was inside the home at the time, according to the Los Angeles Times.
- Immigrants and visa holders in Los Angeles can report crimes without disclosing immigration status; LAPD policy and California law restrict immigration enforcement in victim contexts.
- Some crime victims may qualify for a U visa if strict criteria are met and they assist law enforcement, though not every incident qualifies.
- California offers victim compensation regardless of immigration status, and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) permits U visa applicants to request work authorization after an initial bona fide review.
What happened
Police say the Beverly Hills home of pop superstar Rihanna was struck by gunfire on Sunday. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded at approximately 13:15 local time (21:15 GMT) and located a suspect, who was taken into custody. No injuries were reported. A police official told CBS News the residence targeted belonged to Rihanna. It has been reported that Rihanna was inside the home at the time, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Why this matters for immigrants and visa holders
For immigrants and visa applicants living in Los Angeles, this high‑profile incident underscores a key point: you can report crimes without answering questions about immigration status. LAPD policy and California’s “sanctuary” framework (including SB 54) limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement, particularly for victims and witnesses. Calling 911, filing a police report, or seeking a restraining order does not require proof of status. Consulates can also assist their nationals after a crime, and language access services are typically available.
Legal options and support for crime victims
While no injuries were reported here, some victims of qualifying crimes may be eligible for a U visa—a humanitarian status for victims who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse, possess information about the crime, and are helpful to investigators. A signed certification (Form I‑918, Supplement B) from a law‑enforcement agency is required, and not every shooting‑related incident will qualify. Due to a 10,000‑per‑year cap, U visa backlogs are lengthy; however, USCIS may grant “bona fide determination” work authorization while cases are pending. Separately, California’s Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) offers support regardless of immigration status. Anyone considering immigration relief should consult a qualified immigration attorney or DOJ‑accredited representative—avoid notarios.
Source: Original Article